The author with Belden
In 2025, in my eleventh year serving Champaign-Urbana as state representative, the world seems to be coming apart at the seams. We have a madman in the White House, who is shredding the last remnants of dignity our country had on the world stage. The structural issues domestically; income inequality; the racial injustice system; the worsening climate crisis; and so much more loom large on my work in Springfield.
Times like these remind me of the beginning of my career in public service, and the man I would call upon for policy advice and the wisdom he so graciously gifted upon anyone with curiosity: the late Belden Fields.
I still remember how I first met Belden. It was more than 20 years ago, well before I entered politics. I went to the University YMCA, where he was featured in an event on his then-recent book, Rethinking Human Rights for the New Millennium. I was captured by his presentation of history, his assessment of our circumstances, and what we should be doing to treat our fellow human beings with the dignity they deserve.
I was captivated, and I made a point of speaking to him after the event. I wanted to learn more, and little did I know that more than two decades later, I would be reflecting upon one of the most influential relationships I had developed—both professionally and personally.
In the ensuing years, we organized together. When those of us in local organizing formed C-U Citizens for Peace and Justice, Belden joined us. Our foundation was based on different people coming together in pursuit of a common cause, redressing local government issues to ensure that the marginalized and mistreated were represented in our community. He was an integral part of our group, and his leadership allowed us to challenge local government policy on policing, incarceration, and so much more.
In 2014, when I first ran for the statehouse, he became an informal advisor to me on policy. He understood the need to have a real progressive voice in the legislature, and believed that I could be the one to provide that voice for our community. During that campaign, and for years afterwards, he was often my first call when I needed counsel on a big issue facing our community, the state, and even the country. When I called, he always picked up—lending his knowledge and views to my listening ear.
My relationship with Belden was business, but it was also family. I learned to know and love his wife Jane, as they did my husband Aaron. There was never a moment when I questioned that if I, my family, or our community were in need, Belden would show up. During more than two decades of organizing, we became close friends; we shared laughs over meals, discussed the most pressing issues of the day, and I cherish even the small moments that we shared together over the years.
In reality, Belden was something of a surrogate father to me. I’ll never forget the tone in his voice and the look on his face as he said “look, missy” in the midst of a heartfelt discussion. To know Belden was to know what the best version of our society could—and should—be: thoughtful, caring, kind, and always with the best interests of those around him at heart. This community, myself included, owes a great deal of the progress made to Belden. I am a better state representative, mother, wife, and human being for having known him.
Carol Ammons serves Champaign-Urbana as an Illinois State Representative. She was formerly an Urbana City Councilmember, and Champaign County Board member. She is married to Aaron Ammons, Champaign County Clerk and Recorder, and is a proud mother and grandmother.
62 total views, 1 views today